News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/20th August 2024
The recent flood crisis in northern Vietnam has left thousands of children struggling to return to school, as flash floods and landslides have caused widespread devastation in the region. The natural disasters, which have been exacerbated by an unusually wet summer, have severely impacted the lives of many, particularly in the mountainous areas of the northwest, where heavy downpours have been a constant threat since early July.
The extent of the damage is staggering. According to Vietnam’s General Statistic Office, nearly 29,000 homes have been damaged, and 90,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed. The destruction has left many communities isolated, with roads and bridges washed away, making access to essential services and education incredibly difficult. In Son La province alone, about 1.3 million people have been affected by the flooding, according to reports from Save the Children. The situation is dire, with 11 lives lost, 2,670 homes damaged, and 29 school buildings in ruins, further complicating the recovery process.
As the school year approaches, the challenges for children in these affected areas are immense. Save the Children estimates that around 4,500 children will face significant safety risks as they attempt to return to school. The charity has highlighted the dangers these children might encounter, such as crossing treacherous streams and navigating landslide-prone areas, which could pose life-threatening risks without immediate intervention. Le Thi Thanh Huong, Country Director of Save the Children Vietnam, emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that the recovery process will be long and arduous, and without prompt action, these children could be exposed to numerous dangers.
The impact on education is particularly concerning. Ha Cong Minh, a school principal in Son La province, described the harrowing conditions that students must endure to reach school. With broken bridges and rough roads caused by landslides, the journey to school has become a perilous undertaking. These conditions not only disrupt the education of thousands of children but also pose a significant barrier to their future prospects.
The financial toll of the floods has also been severe. Vietnam’s General Statistic Office reported that the floods caused approximately $85 million in damages during the first seven months of the year, a figure that is double that of the previous year. The loss of lives has been equally devastating, with 91 people reported dead or missing due to the extreme weather.
Vietnam’s annual monsoon season, which typically occurs between June and November, often brings heavy rains that lead to flooding and landslides. However, the intensity and frequency of these events have been increasing, a trend that scientists attribute to the effects of climate change. The situation in northern Vietnam is a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by extreme weather events globally, which are becoming more severe and frequent as the planet warms.
In the wake of this crisis, there is an urgent need for international support and local intervention to help the affected communities recover. Ensuring that children can safely return to school and continue their education must be a priority, as it is essential for their future and the long-term stability of the region. The challenges are immense, but with coordinated efforts, it is possible to rebuild and provide these children with the opportunities they deserve.
